5 Panthers who look primed for long-term deals through Week 5
By Dean Jones
Russell Okung – Carolina Panthers OT
Russell Okung‘s talent is unquestioned. He is a Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl winner who has done it all during a successful career and the left tackle made a successful return from injury for the Carolina Panthers in their win at the Atlanta Falcons.
Okung has missed two of the five games so far, which was a concern going in after he was forced to sit out ten contests in 2019 with the Chargers due to a pulmonary embolism caused by blood clots. There is no disputing the level of protection he’s provided on the edge for the Panthers and if the player is looking to prolong his career, then Carolina would be prudent to make him an offer.
Whether he would take or not, only time will tell.
The veteran is on the final year of his deal and is making a $13 million base salary. That price would probably have to come down given that the salary cap could be reduced to as little as $175 million following a lack of gameday revenue thanks to COVID-19 health measures. But whether Okung has the desire to sign one last lengthy deal at this juncture is the bigger question mark.
His play certainly warrants an extension so far. Okung has given up just one sack from 207 snaps on his way to an outstanding 74.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. But there was plenty of speculation surrounding his retirement prior to the campaign, which could be a topic of discussion once again next spring.